Since the early 1980s when the B-52's and R.E.M. began their individual marches toward international acclaim, Athens has been known for its eclectic and impressive music scene. The scene has been the subject of a documentary (1987's ''Athens, Ga. -- Inside/Out'') and a mecca for countless tourists and students.

Undoubtedly, the glare of the magnifying glass also caused some animosity in years past between locals and bands that moved to Athens looking to make a quick buck or score a record deal.

Some of the hoopla has died down and, as a result, the past few years have been witness to a re-emergence of sorts in the music scene. Local artists such as Macha, Vic Chesnutt, Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control and Jack Logan have attracted media and fan attention across the country.

In April 1998, Athens-based Widespread Panic put on a free show in downtown Athens to celebrate the release of its newest live album, and an estimated 75,000-100,000 people showed up for the party.

About 300 bands, solo artists and musician conglomerations reportedly exist in Athens. While the figure is an estimate at best, it bears noting that this summer's AthFest showcased more than 130 of them in four days, evidence that the larger number probably isn't too far off.

The famed 40 Watt Club.

There is at least one club in town featuring live music every day of the week, and downtown cradles a good chunk of the music venues in a small area. Most of the venues feature local talent, so it is almost assured that you will discover a favorite local band or musician without trying very hard. A surprising number of restaurants showcase live music as well, although some are sporadic as to when the performances occur.

Cover charges for bands are generally very cheap, even for larger national bands -- it's easy to get spoiled by paying less than $5 for a decent-sized act. Some Atlanta residents even wait for artists to hit Athens before seeing a show, knowing that they can pay sometimes half price here in a less-crowded club.

The advertised time for a band's performance is often 30 minutes earlier than the time when the performer actually takes the stage, and late shows are the norm, with opening bands generally kicking off at 11 p.m. or later.

Although the days of seeing unannounced R.E.M. shows have passed (though bassist Mike Mills occasionally takes the stage with local musicians), there are still plenty of reasons to hit music venues around town on a regular basis.

With the advent of the summer AthFest music showcase, the recent debut of the Athens Music Awards and the bevy of strong clubs around town, the Athens music scene is now stronger than it has been in years.

What follows is a guide to some of those places around town that feature live music. It's up to you to find those places -- and music -- that you like best.

For more information throughout the year on upcoming shows of interest, check out the Marquee section of Thursday's Athens Daily News or Banner-Herald.

Allen's Hamburgers1294 Prince Ave.(706) 548-830921 and up (for shows)Known outside of Athens for its mention in the B-52's song ''The Deadbeat Club'' (the band used to hang out here), Allen's is a popular burger haven by day and a well-worn music spot by night. They regularly feature rock 'n' roll with a gruff, twangier edge such as Jesse James' Favorite Band and the Normaltown Flyers.

Anderson's Real Home Cookin' & BBQ670 W. Broad St.(706) 543-1223All agesThis meat-and-three, country food restaurant features -- appropriately enough -- the band Home Cookin' every Friday at 7 p.m. They venture into blues, rock, soul and ''just good singin'.''

Athens Brewing Company312 E. Washington St.(706) 549-002718 and upmembers.aol.com/~athbrewThe first site in town to brew its own beer, the Brewpub (as it is more commonly known) features a wide variety of music from the funky jazz of Planet Jive to the popular monthly ''Hoots'' of the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society (which take place on the first Monday night of every month and are free). The Brewpub also regularly hosts a Musician's Showcase on Sundays, when it's usually rare to find music in town.

Athens Music Factory420 E. Clayton St.(706) 353-886918 and upOne of the newer clubs in town, the AMF replaced the ill-fated Fifth Quarter and doubles as the Athens Burger Factory by day. The AMF features all kinds of music from punk to swing to rock to DJ spinning and hosts both locals and out-of-town artists throughout the week. It's a big room with a real dance floor in front of the stage. They recently took on a new booking agent, so expect to see some even stronger lineups in the future.

Bean'ryExact location TBAOpening in SeptemberAll agesThis coffeehouse has been in the planning stages for a while, but plans to book bands -- even well-known locals such as Macha and Neutral Milk Hotel -- for quieter, acoustic sets.

Boar's Head260 E. Washington St.(706) 369-304021 and upThe Boar's Head is noteworthy because it never has a cover charge, even when it features bands. The outside courtyard -- when the weather is nice -- usually features an acoustic artist while downstairs the music can range from harder edged to rock or funk.

Bumpers1700 Commerce Highway(706) 369-762518 and upWhile Bumpers doesn't feature live bands all that often, when it does, the bands usually are well known. Or at least were well known at one time. The musicians tend to be old-school performers from the '50s through the '80s who you probably didn't know still toured. Recent examples include Marshall Tucker, Percy Sledge, .38 Special and Motorhead.

Chip's Grill and Bar655 Patrick Mill Road, Winder(770) 307-284018 and up (at night shows, younger with guardian).Not actually in Athens, Chip's serves up food during the day and then turns generally to blues, classic rock, zydeco and ''Louisiana swamp music'' in the evenings.

Classic Blues Lounge1387 W. Broad St.(706) 227-252521 and upAs the name implies, this spot features blues artists from Wednesday through Saturday nights, including a regular blues jam.

David's2180 W. Broad St.(706) 354-171121 and upNot surprisingly, a guy named David owns this bar, and although it mostly showcases DJs, it does feature bands occasionally. At one time, the owner was known to get up there and sing. He still might.

DT's Down Under140 E. Clayton St.(706) 543-927618 and upThis small, underground (literally, it's below street level) venue is known as a singer-songwriter haven, although it does showcase full bands that cater more in the pop or jam genres as well. Nathan Sheppard is a regular here and the club features open mic nights as well.

Engine Room235 W. Washington St.(706) 353-380021 and upThe ER used to be simply one of the grittier bars in town with a jukebox known for its skew toward loud rock 'n' roll. The occasional local rock band was tightly squeezed where the pool tables normally sit. Recently, however, the place debuted its new back room for bands. And with the new addition, expect upbeat, catchy rock and louder rock in a slightly roomier setting.

Flanigan's/Half Moon Pub301 E. Clayton St.(706) 208-971121 and upThe two share a space, with Flanigan's upstairs and the Half Moon downstairs. Plans call for acoustic and electric rock to take place every Tuesday night with locals such as 43 Sons setting the tone.

40 Watt Club285 W. Washington St.(706) 549-787118 and upwww.40watt.comThe 40 Watt Club bills itself as ''world famous'' and it's hard to argue with them. This is the sixth location of the legendary club where bands such as Pylon and R.E.M. played in their early days while putting Athens on the musical map. The Watt books arguably the best and largest club-touring rock, rap and DJ national acts that come to town, while still throwing in some crazy stuff such as Gwar from time to time. At the same time, you'll still find plenty of local bands getting their shot at fame here. Everybody from Run D.M.C. to Belle and Sebastian to Cracker to Drivin' 'n' Cryin' to Vic Chesnutt have played here in recent years.

Georgia Bar159 W. Clayton St.(706) 546-988421 and upGenerally a bar for serious drinking, the Georgia Bar occasionally features a variety of bands both local and out-of-town in its small interior, ranging from a wild Czech band (Uz Jsme Doma) to the pop-rock of Thumb Attack.

Georgia Theatre215 N. Lumpkin St.(706) 549-991818 and upwww.georgiatheatre.comNot only is the Georgia Theatre one of the few places that shows movies and sporting events while selling beer, it also features plenty of varied music in its hall. Set in an old-time movie house, the Georgia Theatre generally features larger and more straightforward rock, reggae and jam bands on both the local and national level. The theater also sometimes has tribute shows and well-known cover bands. At the same time, it also has booked some less obvious big names in recent years such as Sarah McLachlan, They Might Be Giants and blues artist R.L. Burnside.

The Globe199 N. Lumpkin St.(706) 353-472121 and upUsually a bar for the older crowd, the Globe once in a while features quieter acoustic-based artists and performing arts in its upstairs area.

High Hat Music Club321 E. Clayton St.(706) 549-550818 and upThe High Hat used to be known as a ''blues'' club, but more recently has been more of a rock 'n' roll showcase for both local and national acts. It's a narrow venue where sitting at the bar can put you about six feet from the stage. Singer-songwriters such as Kevn Kinney of Drivin' 'n' Cryin' play here, as well as musicians such as Marky Ramone with his new band and other rockers.

Hole in the Wall263 W. Washington St.(706) 227-1988The Hole in the Wall started off as a non-smoking facility, but quickly changed its ways. It features primarily locals performing here such as the pop-rock band Little Red Rocket or a singer-songwriter. Bands play with their rears in the front window, and some guitarists with long cords have been known to climb out the window and mingle with passersby.

Klassics3155 Atlanta Highway(706) 543-808118 and upKlassics is out on Atlanta Highway, not too far from Target and the Perimeter intersection. When it features bands, it generally revolves around classic rock 'n' roll, with a touch of the '50s, some country and Zydeco. One unique aspect to Klassics is that it has a van that will come pick you up and take you back home. Call for arrangements.

Little Italy Pizzeria125 N. Lumpkin St.(706) 613-7100All agesThis restaurant is more known for its food, but sometimes features bands performing. The style is pretty random, depending on who comes to them, but is local in nature.

Loco's Deli and Pub (2 locations)3190 Atlanta Highway(706) 549-7700All agesEvery Sunday, this Loco's location features everything from acoustic to rock, although expect generally quieter local fare.581 S. Harris St.(706) 548-7803All agesThis other Loco's location just added a deck area after buying the location of the old Wishbone's and Effie's. The owners plan on featuring more music, although probably not during more crowded times such as football Saturdays. Generally, lighter, more acoustic local music will be featured during the day.

Lunch Paper114 College Ave.(706) 549-432221 and upAbout anything goes at this bar, which usually features more avant-garde performances and harder-edged rock. Since the small club usually books either more better known locals such as Jucifer or interesting out-of-towners, it gets crowded quick.

Manhattan Cafe337 N. Hull St.(706) 369-976721 and upCurrently the hippest small bar in Athens, the Manhattan features performances from singer-songwriters to avant-garde pop local artists on occasion.

Nowhere Bar240 N. Lumpkin St.(706) 546-474221 and upThis bar features local bands and singer-songwriters occasionally on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as open blues jams.

One Love Music and Dance Hall346 E. Broad St.(706) 369-695818 and upLocated in an enormous old theater, the One Love is perhaps the only bar in town that has doors to close off the music from the bar area for patrons not interested in what's being played. The One Love has thrown in a more eclectic flair to venue bookings, adding blues, reggae and Latin music to the mixture of local talent. The stage and main room are both rather roomy.

Sons of Italy1573 S. Lumpkin St.(706) 543-2516All agesAlso known more for its Italian food fare, Sons of Italy features local acoustic music usually once or twice a week on its deck.

Tasty World321 E. Broad St.(706) 543-079721 and upwww.tastyworld.netNamed after an old Athens magazine, this multi-level venue features ''jazz to junk-punk, country to grind-core'' in its downstairs area. It books both local and out-of-town acts throughout the week and, along with its wide variety, usually throws in some real off-kilter performers from time to time.

Washington Street Tavern318 E. Washington St.(706) 613-781721 and upThe Tavern has a downstairs area that usually showcases performers playing Southern rock and country originals, both acoustic and electric. The bands are primarily local.

The Winery459 E. Clayton St.(706) 613-009521 and upThe Winery generally serves a classier crowd, as its decor -- including a rock pool with fish -- attests. The venue regularly serves up local jazz with its variety of vino and martinis.